The Exquisite Jewelweed Bloom

I wrote about the lovely and useful Jewelweed flower last year when Johny has a close encounter with poison ivy, you can click here to read more.  Jewelweed is said to help decrease the effects of poison ivy, but to be honest, Johny's experience was that the only thing that really helps is time. 

I find the blossom to be absolutely elegant with its interesting petals.  Fortunately for me, it seems that this years rains have resulted in the expansion of Jewelweed fields around our cabin.  They come in two colors, red and yellow, but it seems the red have taken over our woods. 

Whenever I walk along the road, especially to the garden, I see these fields surrounding me...little speckles of red and yellow with a thick green background of leaves.

But when you look up close, you can see the delicate detail of it's petals and the curve of it's tail...

  ...even the buds are dainty looking.

The bees love them and have to fly deep inside to get to the nectar causing their backs to brush against the pollen to carry to their next stop!

I find them to be absolutely exquisite...but it also has medicinal uses including being an anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, though I have not used them in that manner at this point (except our attempt at healing Johny's poison ivy which was not very effective).  I'm sure finding the correct method for preparation is key in its effectiveness, so I haven't given up on it, but I sure do enjoy just looking at them!

Thanks for reading my blog, you are the best f/f/r/s/f's, see you tomorrow,
Lise